Updated information on key issues surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on family circumstances is now available.
The House of Commons Library has published a briefing paper containing information in response to some key questions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on separated families, maintenance arrangements and access to children.
Lindsey Canning, head of Family Law at Wake Smith Solicitors, looks at the updates.
She said: “The impact of the pandemic on arrangements for separated families and children’s access has been numerous.
“The paper contains useful practical information about child maintenance arrangements during the pandemic, including what to do if a party's income has changed because of COVID-19.
“It confirms that the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is currently accepting verbal evidence of income changes over the phone until the end of the pandemic.
“The CMS has warned that enforcement action will be taken against those who abuse the change in the evidence threshold.”
The briefing paper states that: “Parents with care may experience delays receiving initial maintenance payments and there may be a longer wait to receive payments that are owed, as the CMS is not contacting paying parents about missing payments during the pandemic.”
The Department for Work and Pensions has said that the CMS hopes to provide further details on its approach to missed payments in July 2020.
Lindsey added: “If shared care arrangements have changed temporarily due to COVID-19, the CMS will not change the amount of child maintenance paid, given that the change in care arrangement is temporary.
“The paper also refers to the CMS paying parent information page, which includes FAQs for paying parents during the pandemic relating to change of circumstances, shared care, missed maintenance payments, financial support, managing cases online and sending supporting information.
“If you are struggling with your situation, then please give us a call. These have been challenging times for all of us, let alone if you are trying to juggle childcare arrangements with a partner, maintenance payments or being part of a separated family.
“Wake Smith remains open and is offering telephone and online consultations, ensuring we are easily available to those needing legal advice throughout this difficult time.”
To book your free 30 minute consultation call Deborah Marsh at Wake Smith Solicitors on 0114 266 6660.
For further information on the Government’s advice visit: https://childmaintenanceservice.direct.gov.uk
